Hoverfly heads under the lens:

What makes them different?

The head of a hoverfly is not only vital, but a fascinating structure designed for several functions some will be obvious and other less so. The intention of this blog is to do an overview of the components of the head that directly or indirectly contribute to flight, feeding, and sensory perception. A separate more in-depth article is probably required to delve into each component, watch out for those posts at some later date. 

Let’s compare a hoverfly head with a bee’s head, which although it may look similar has several interesting differences, see below. I hope to explore those differences, whilst giving ecological and evolutionary reasons for such adaptations and pointing out taxonomical purposes along the way. 

Outwardly there are six external features worthy of examination and discussion. Most of these features are connected to the brain and nervous system which not only processes the visual and olfactory information, but motor control for precision flight to assist in finding flowers and mates, and yet provides split-second decision-making needed to hover and evade predators. 

So, let’s ‘head-in’ and see what we can find…. Sorry I couldn’t resist the pun.

Spotted Thintail (Meliscaeva auricollis)

Spotted Thintail Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis) Wing length 6-9.5mm. Flight all year.

Species to spot in February

Like my previous blog on the Marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus) this is also a hoverfly that can be spotted all year round but generally peaks mid-summer with numbers boosted by incoming migrations. Being only the start of February when I write this article, they have already been spotted and reported on social media sites. So, on the next warm day I intend to find a sunny hotspot in the hope of getting a glimpse of one after awakening from its winter torpor. 

Hoverflies at the Winter Olympics

Now for something completely different.....

While hoverflies (Syrphidae) are not Olympic athletes, their specialised, agile flight—including hovering, backward flight, and rapid darting—makes them uniquely suited to mimic the mechanics of certain 2026 Winter Olympic disciplines. 

I think hoverflies would excel in aerial events where precision and vertical movement are key. 

Hovvie at the Big Air event

Science & Natural History on display at Sheffield train station.

Several Thoughts for the week

In passing through Sheffield station, I came across this display board. It is a compact stand, hardly taking up much space, located in front of M&S close to the side entrance at the front of the station. It was a surprise to see it, natural history and science on display in a public space, accessible to people as they walk past on their daily commute. In a world full of digital media and advertising I do wonder how many people will stop to look. I do hope they will and be curious enough about scientific research in the local area. I loved it, let’s have more please……

See end of article to read display board

Hoverflies in Paintings

Hoverflies in Art:

When I first started my blog, I had this question about whether I could find and spot hoverflies on canvas or within historical books? I just wanted to see if they popped up anywhere at all. I figured old identification guides would have a few, but paintings? That felt like a long shot.

Fast forward a few months, and as I have been researching for my species articles I have stumbled across paintings and prints in books and to be honest, it’s been such a fascinating ride I would like to share! 

Turns out hoverflies have been making appearances in art way earlier than I ever imagined. So, I thought, why not pull all my findings together into one article? Up until now, the bits and pieces have been scattered across different posts on the site.

Here’s what I’ve uncovered so far: Updated 3rd Feb 2026 with better images from the paintings of the hoverflies.

         Still life with Bird’s nest - Jan Van Huysum (1718) & A stoneware vase of flowers - Jan Brueghel the Elder (1607-1608).